Chaco ZX/2® Unaweep

I ordered these sandals because of all the awesome reviews and I have to say, I'm completely confused. These sandals are so heavy. It felt like I had ankle weights on. Maybe I should keep them. :) They felt great on my feet until I lifted them to start walking. No thanks. Had to send them back.

You might be wondering why in the world you'd plunk down this much for a shoe made of polyester and PU. Let me tell you, these shoes are hands-down unequivocally worth it! They are durable, supportive, comfortable, versatile, cool looking, and easy to maintain. Durable: I've had the pair that I'm reviewing since 2006. But looking at them, you'd think they were maybe a month old. The soles on these bad boys are absolutely indestructible -- I've walked hundreds of miles in these shoes and the soles have barely registered the wear. Supportive: The arch support is really great in these guys, without being overkill. I am pretty flat-footed, and I've tried shoes (ahem Birkenstock's) that were so built-up in the arch that after a mile of walking my foot felt like it would break in half. Not Chaco's! The arch feels great and helps my posture and pronation. Comfortable: Dudes, the adjustable straps are sweet. A few tugs and they feel like they were made for my feet alone. I can loan them to my roommate and she can adjust them just for her. This setup gives you a lot of support without the lame-factor of velcro. Caveats -- it took a little while to get used to the strap wrapping around my big toe, also sometimes the end of the strap works its way under the ball of my foot and I have to stop and pull it out, an occasional mild nuisance. Versatile: Comfy enough to wear around the house. Quick drying to wade through streams or summer thunderstorms. Durable and grippy enough for climbing around in wild terrain. Cool looking: I really dig the unisex feel these have. They look great with skinny jeans and can go with a casual skirt. Although they have big fat soles, they don't look dorky or mom-ish. Easy to maintain: Since they are basically rubber and poly straps, they are totally washable, they don't stretch if you get them wet, they don't require any protective treatments or sprays, they don't stain, and one of my favorite attributes: you can sweat all you want in them and the will never ever ever ever ever be smelly!!! And, if by some chance you manage to somehow stink them up, throw them in some soapy water and voila, good as new! In conclusion: I've lost some of my favorite sandals to worn-out soles, to leather stretchage, and (yes I'm gross) to summer-foot-stank. You will fall in love with Chaco's, and unlike your footwear of summers past, they won't ever break your heart!

I'd also recommend: Naot, Clarks, Saucony, Cole Haan, Frye

This is the perfect sandal for someone on the go, has a thick but flexible sole, a fabulous arch and heel support and a strap across the instep to hug a high instep.

I'd also recommend: I haven't found anything I like as much as Chaco

I bought these to replace a pair I had lost. I previously had the ZX/1 Unaweep in black, and it was the best ever! That said, I really like the addition of the toe loop. Other reviewers have had problems with it tightening, but I've had no such problem. You definitely feel it on your toe, but it's not uncomfortable, more like comforting. On the single-strap version, you can pull the toe strap flat and not use it, but on the double-strap they're interwoven so that's not possible. And the blue color is delightful. It's blue and purple, vaguely feminine but not aggressively so.